Reduce manure runoff
March is among the riskiest months in which to spread manure on fields because melting snow and rain can carry the manure into lakes, streams and groundwater.
March is among the riskiest months in which to spread manure on fields because melting snow and rain can carry the manure into lakes, streams and groundwater. Farmers are advised to avoid spreading when the state’s online forecast predicts a high risk of run off, state agriculture and water quality officials say.
Farmers who don’t have enough storage capacity to avoid spreading manure during high-risk runoff times are encouraged to steer clear of high-risk fields and have a spill response plan in place.
“We’re encouraging farmers to check the online runoff risk advisory forecast and avoid spreading when the risk is high,” said Sara Walling, water quality section leader with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Wisconsin’s online runoff risk advisory system is part of the Wisconsin Manure Management Advisory System that provides maps showing short-term runoff risk for daily application planning, and also maps for long-term application planning. It was developed by DATCP, the National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Service, and University of Wisconsin. Visit http://www.manureadvisorysystem.wi.gov.
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